Alberta women's racing started the season with a huge turnout for the Fish Creek road race in Calgary. Over 30 women were entered in Saturday's circuit race - one of the best participation rates in recent memory. The field was bolstered by a large number of women who raced on the road for the first time.

Diana Bladon of the Opus Women's Cycling Team soloed to victory with a breakaway over the final 5 laps. Bladon surged ahead to take the win by over 1 minute on the main field. It was the first win of the season for Bladon, who began her year with Opus in February - racing in California and Arizona. The race proved that Bladon is on track for continued success in the sport. She is looking forward to her first World Cup road race in Montreal later this season.

Amy Woodward, of the Olympic Oval, came up with a great sprint to take second in the race. Woodward is a former track and field runner who came to the sport last fall. Woodward proved that the change in sport was worth the risk. She looks to be a strong element in the Alberta racing scene this summer.

Opus rider Jenny Trew finished third in the event. This was also the third year in a row on the podium for the 20 year old, who is moving to Victoria in May to pursue cycling and a management degree. After several solo -breakaway attempts Trew was left to duke it out with the field for the final sprint.

Next week, the women's field will return to Fish Creek for a second weekend of racing. Awards are given for the individual race winners and an overall prize for the series. Fish Creek is a fixture on the Alberta racing scene and has been successfully hosted by Bicisport for many seasons - this year under the direction of Garth Marken.